Max Verstappen sees himself as Helmut Marko's 'new project' as the Red Bull motorsport boss targets multiple world championship titles for the young Dutchman.
With Daniel Ricciardo yet to commit to a future beyond this season with Red Bull Racing, the Milton Keynes-based team will do its utmost to reap the benefits of its three-year deal with Verstappen.
"I am his new project," the 20-year-old told Germany's Auto Bild. "He wants to repeat the Vettel story and win world championship.
"I know that records are very important to Sebastian, and for me it would be nice, but records aren't something I really need in my life.
"As long as I am world champion one day, that's the most important thing to me."
However, securing a world crown in the future will require pairing Verstappen's speed and skills with improved consistency and reliability at Red Bull.
"What I want is a much more consistent season than last year," he told Ziggo Sport Totaal.
"A lot fewer failures. To win again if possible and the first pole position would be nice."
Verstappen may also require a few refinements of his own before sustaining a solid run to the title as many still perceive an excess of aggression in the young charger's driving.
But the three-time Grand Prix says he knows when a more conservative approach will be in order.
"In a title fight, I would take fewer risks, because a second place can bring you closer to your goal than a failure. It's just a different mental approach," he says.
"Last year I wanted to win at any cost, because I had nothing to lose. But I believe I know exactly what I have to do to become world champion."
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